January 10, 2011, 12:24 PM — The phrase "team-building exercise" has a literal meaning for the IT staff at JM Family Enterprises Inc.
A group of tech workers plays pickup basketball in the company's parking garage in an area that executives have agreed to keep clear for the regular lunchtime games. Another group of IT workers heads out to run together, while a third works out at the same time in the company gym.
This commitment to on-the-job fitness isn't just tolerated by IT executives there -- it's encouraged.
"It allows folks to stay fit, burn off some stress, to work together and build relationships," says Shawn Berg, vice president of technology operations at the Deerfield Beach, Fla., company.
Companies with corporate fitness and wellness programs offer a diverse range of activities, facilities and services, including health fairs during business hours, 24/7 corporate gyms and on-site medical care. While these offerings benefit everyone, program leaders and IT executives say getting tech staffers on board presents both challenges and opportunities.
"Our IT services folks are for the most part sedentary, so there's a lack-of-activity issue. They are exposed to a high degree of stress. And they're so diligent and passionate about what they do that the day or night goes by and they haven't gotten up to do anything for themselves," says Richard Luceri, M.D., vice president of health care services at JM Family Enterprises.
Luceri says he works with managers in all departments to make sure they encourage their workers to make time for their own health.
"It's really a trickle-down phenomenon. If it doesn't come from the top to encourage the associates to stay healthy, then it's not going to happen," he explains.
A Department Priority
IT managers are getting the message. Berg says his department discourages employees from scheduling meetings or using e-mail after 5 p.m., so people feel like they can move on to their own activities. ("It sounds goofy, but it makes a big difference," he says.) Lunchtime meetings are also discouraged, Berg says, allowing for those midday basketball games, runs and gym sessions (followed up with showers in on-site locker rooms).
Berg isn't just paying lip service to the topic. IT managers really do help workers make their own health a priority.
Jason Schell, director of product administration for information technology services at JM Family Enterprises, works out early in the morning. He arrives at about 5:30 a.m. to exercise and then gets an egg white omelet from the cafeteria and heads to his desk.
